Utility Shutoff Moratorium Ends Soon, Point Beach Reminds

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — People who have been struggling to pay water and electric bills during the COVID-19 pandemic are warned that the moratorium on shutoffs is scheduled to come to an end Dec. 31.

Point Pleasant Beach officials posted a notice warning of the impending end to the moratorium on the borough website.

Under Gov. Phil Murphy's Executive Order 229, local governments are prohibited from shutting off water or electric service to a residential customer, or to accounts primarily serving residential customers, due to nonpayment of water, sewer, or electric charges.

The shutoff moratorium remains in effect until Jan. 1, 2022.

As of Jan. 1, local governments will be able to charge penalties for delinquent payments, and any payments remaining delinquent may be referred to a tax lien sale held by the municipal tax collector.

The state Department of Community Affairs is preparing an assistance program to help water and sewer customers who are still struggling with economic hardship due to the pandemic. Further information will be provided once the program goes live.

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